Scholars Making a Difference: Allison Briggs

Article Originally posted on 9/3/2019 here.

Allison (Briggs) Garner studied anthropology and minored in Latin American studies as a 2013 National Merit Bowdoin College Scholarship winner. Her experiences at Bowdoin College shaped her and helped guide her to a career as an analyst in the Health Economics and Outcomes Research division of The Analysis Group in Boston, Massachusetts. Her goal is to "acquire a masters of public health in the next several years." When asked what internships, co-ops, or study abroad programs enabled her to have a deeper learning experience, she explained:

Over the last four years, I have sought to explore my passion for public health through a diverse variety of health experiences. The summer after my freshman year at Bowdoin College, I had the opportunity to serve as a research intern for Maine Medical Partners in Portland, Maine. I worked as the field investigator for the Harsh Living Index Study, in which I independently interviewed 320 patients about their social histories. Later on, we examined links between patients’ adverse childhood experiences and future health outcomes and healthcare utilization during adulthood. I greatly enjoyed interacting with patients firsthand and learning about the long-term effects of social health disparities.

The following summer, I received a grant to work for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs in Monrovia, Liberia, in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic. While there, I collaborated with a research team to conduct a nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey on Ebola perceptions. We worked together to develop a questionnaire with the Liberian Ministry of Health, pre-test the tool in the field, and analyze initial demographic data. Not only was living and working in this West African nation extremely challenging and enriching personally, but I also learned a great deal about how to conduct research in a culturally sensitive and situationally appropriate manner.

Inspired by this international health experience, I spent my junior fall semester studying public health in several areas throughout Chile. During the month of November, I conducted a case study of the organization Espacio Amigable (Friendly Space) in Santiago, Chile. Espacio Amigable provides mobile access to contraceptives and sexual education to adolescents at public schools in the city. Over the course of the month, I interviewed adolescents and professionals, observed sexual health workshops, and administered surveys at Espacio Amigable to investigate the issue of adolescent sexual health access. I culminated this investigation with a 40-page report written in Spanish analyzing barriers to adolescent sexual health and the efficacy of Espacio Amigable in confronting these issues. These diverse experiences within the health field only deepened my interest in the public health field. I am now beginning my career by working as an analyst in the Health Economics and Outcomes Research division of The Analysis Group in Boston, Massachusetts. I look forward to drawing from my various experiences in the health field while continuing my learning in the health field.

Allison's experience throughout college helped her to develop "a strong commitment to improving the lives of others through healthcare." She says, "I truly believe that everyone has a right to affordable and equitable healthcare, and I hope to continue working to ensure that this right is fulfilled for all."